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Today's Poll: Should New York make recreational use and possession of marijuana legal?

By Howard B. Owens
Brian Graz

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR...

Message from: Paloma A. Capanna, Attorney & Policy Analyst

The Federal BATF position, clearly articulated since 2011* as concerns state "permitted" medical marijuana, is no federal exemption, therefore, it can serve as the basis for the permanent revocation of your rights of ownership, use, and possession of firearms and explosive devices in all fifty states and US territories.

Please consider and very carefully weigh what is more important to you.

In this state, driven by gun control through all means, legal and otherwise, how can I not view this as yet another means for government confiscation?

Your perspectives will be what they are. It's a nuclear trip wire. Be careful what you wish for.

*ATF Document: https://www.atf.gov/file/60211/download

Jan 18, 2018, 1:27pm Permalink
Brian Graz

And ain't it interesting that Andrew Cuomo who has long been opposed to legalizing marijuanna [called it a gateway drug]. has suddenly switched direction and is now seriously looking into "legalizing" marijuana(?). Do you suppose it's because he has been informed that the residents overwhelmingly want it? Or is it because it's a two-fold win/win? NYS will reap huge revenue from taxing and regulating it, plus it will be a major back door to his sweetheart objective of confiscation the citizen's guns.

Jan 18, 2018, 1:35pm Permalink
Tim Miller

Anybody that poo-poos the thought of revenue from legal marijuana is being fiscally irresponsible. All revenue from pot sales now goes to lawbreakers and ne'er-do-wells... OK - that's a bit of hyperbole. But outside of the small grower and dealer, it probably doesn't benefit NY.

By making pot legal (like alcohol), it can be more controlled and taxed, and revenue from it goes to the local community and state. Colorado pulled in $200 million from pot in 2016, and NY is larger. Those of you who constantly gripe (rightfully so) about unfunded mandates - this revenue could be used to offset those mandates.

And it's not like this money is extra being pulled from NYS residents - it is money already being shelled out to whatever supplier the pot user goes to.

Jan 18, 2018, 2:29pm Permalink
Kyle Slocum

Let us not forget that NYS is actually losing money on medical marihuana. Selling pot and losing money... Well, it's sorta the NY way.

Prince Andrew (Who would be king) is only virtue signaling to progressives that he is hip and cool. He actually thinks that America will vote to make him President if he can signal enough to the left. The USA is not NYS. Thank God for the Electoral College.

As to the fact that marijuana is illegal federally: If you are in an occupation that is Federally regulated you can't be a marijuana user. And, if you engage in a NYS legal enterprise that is Federally illegal... Well, I guess federal prisons have nicer user reviews, so at least you have that.

Process matters. Legalize marihuana federally first. Then you can pursue medical uses and recreational uses without the uncertainty and risk. You might actually help people.

Jan 18, 2018, 7:34pm Permalink

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